Job Summary:
The Food & Beverage Category Manager will oversee and manage the category’s product portfolio, ensuring the successful development, sourcing, and promotion of food and beverage products. The role requires a deep understanding of consumer trends, supplier relationships, and category performance to optimize profitability and market position. The manager will collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, sales, and supply chain, to drive product innovation and ensure category growth.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Product Portfolio Management: Manage and develop a competitive product range within the F&B category, ensuring the products meet consumer needs and market trends.
- Supplier Relationship Management: Establish and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, negotiate pricing, contracts, and product quality standards to maximize value for the company.
- Market Analysis & Trend Identification: Analyze market trends, competitor activities, and consumer preferences to identify growth opportunities and keep the product offerings relevant.
- Sales & Profitability: Monitor category performance by analyzing sales data, identifying opportunities to enhance profitability, and implementing cost-effective solutions.
- Product Development & Innovation: Work closely with product development teams to innovate new offerings, improve existing products, and align with market demands.
- Marketing & Promotions: Collaborate with the marketing team to create effective campaigns, in-store promotions, and product positioning strategies to drive category sales.
- Inventory & Supply Chain Coordination: Coordinate with the supply chain team to manage inventory, product availability, and distribution to ensure smooth operations.
- Budget & Financial Management: Develop and manage category budgets, ensuring all financial targets are met, and expenditure is controlled.
Job Requirements
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Food Science, or a related field. A Master’s degree or professional certifications in F&B management is a plus.
- Experience: Minimum 5 years of experience in category management or product management within the F&B industry.
- Proven track record of managing product categories, supplier negotiations, and driving category growth.
- Strong knowledge of the F&B market, consumer behavior, and emerging trends.
- Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Analytical skills to assess product performance, sales data, and market trends.
- Strong project management skills with the ability to lead cross-functional teams.
- Ability to think strategically and execute tactically.
- Software Proficiency:
- Familiarity with ERP systems, MS Excel, and data analysis tools.
- Personal Attributes:
- Creative and innovative mindset to bring fresh ideas into product offerings.
- Strong decision-making ability and attention to detail.
- Adaptability in a fast-paced environment.
- Collaborative with excellent leadership capabilities.